JACKSON, KY – (Dec. 23, 2004) -- The Kentucky Department of Highways has completed the removal of a rockslide that had closed KY 451 in Perry County for the past week, and the road has reopened to through traffic.

The slide occurred between mile markers 1 and 2, between the Glomawr bridge across the North Fork of the Kentucky River, and the Lothair section of Hazard.

Several hundred tons of fallen rock were removed from the pavement.

The road surface in this area is rough from damage caused by the fallen boulders, and signs alerting motorists to this fact will be posted. The area will be given a fresh coat of pavement in the spring, when weather conditions permit.

"The response time to this major rock fall was excellent," said Linda Wagner-Justice, acting chief district engineer. "Our hats are off to those who accomplished this task. We realize this road closure was an inconvenience for drivers and residents, and we worked as fast as we could to get this highway reopened."